How To Power Flush Your Radiators
Do you think that you need a power flush? Do you have blocked radiators? Are your radiators only hot at one end or only hot at the top? Maybe you are experiencing camel-humpcold areas, either way, prices can vary so choosing the right set up is always important when you are thinking about getting your radiators power flushed. If you are thinking about getting your central heating system power flushed, then you first need to understand what a power flush actually is. A power flush is the process in which you clear out a heating system. This is normally done by using high volumes of water, which is then forced through the radiators and the surrounding systems. This helps to remove odour, rust and any debris that might be causing a blockage. You might consider getting a power flush if your radiator has cold spots, or if your radiators seem to be cold at the bottom yet very warm at the top. So how is a central heating system power flushed?
Tank Size
Most companies have power flushers which range from 20 litres to 200 litres. The 20 litre tank is normally enough for around 25 radiators, but the 200 litre version is enough to handle lots of commercial properties. However, for the largest commercial properties you need a specialist system like the one we use over at Commercial Powerflush. If your radiator valves are blocked, take a look below to find out more.
Power Isolation
In order to start the power flush process, you will need to isolate the power that is going into the system; doing this yourself can be risky because you can’t remove the continuity bond for the earth connection. You will then isolate the valves as well, and these can be found on either side of your heating mechanism or pump.
Pump Removal
In order for the system to be power flushed efficiently, you then need to remove the pump. This stops the connection between the boiler and the radiator and it also completely isolates the system. This is a very important step because if you don’t remove the pump, you could run into serious problems when the power flush process is started. After the pump has been removed, you will then connect the power flush system itself to the central heating system. Most of the time, this is because the pump comes with a manifold.
Safety
You may also go through a checklist to make sure that everything has been turned off properly, so take a look below to see what type of options they will be going through.
1. Turn Off the Boiler
2. Open the Radiator Valves All The Way
3. Open the Diverter Valve All The Way
Sealed Systems
If you have a sealed system then you will need to take some additional steps when performing your power flush radiator clean. You will need to drain some components in order to bring the pressure down before capping the extension pipe to the expansion tank. If you are feeling confident that you have done this properly, you can then start to power flush your radiators.
You need to make sure that your hose goes out into a suitable drain or waste area, and you also need to make sure that you add some cleaning fluid to the flushing device as well. Before you fully start, however, you need to make sure that all of your valves are open. Turn on your unit, and the water will start to circulate through your boiler and into your heating systems. After you have done all of this, turn on the boiler, as this will provide heat to the radiators themselves.
The heat is fully designed to start the cleaning process, but you will need to keep an eye on the water temperature, as when it reaches around 45°, you will need to reverse the flow. Keep doing this every ten minutes or so, and when this has been done, close off all of your radiators except for one. Let it flush through, and do this with every radiator in your home.
When this has been done, you will need to open up your valves entirely to let the system flow freely. When you notice that there is just clean and running water coming out of the pipe, add some neutralising agent, as this will help to keep your radiators from corroding after the power flush has been done.
It always helps to do a final flush through your radiators and after this has been done, you will then need to close all of the valves. Then, disconnect the unit and reconnect the items that you disconnected on your system. Make sure that you release all of the valves, and before you know it, your central heating system will be ready to use again. Pack away your equipment and enjoy a nice warm home without any cold spots, rust or corrosion; it has never been easier!